uring the time I have been editor of the Adventist Review, maybe 100,000 messages have come across my desk. None has been more cheering than a recent letter from Headlee Lee Howard of Asheville, North Carolina, who described himself as a “new” Adventist. And he shared a story.

Headlee’s wife was raised in “a minor, less-known denomination.” He, however, spent most of his life in a large, well-known church that I shall leave nameless, serving in a variety of lay capacities in both the local congregation and councils of the denomination.

Then, about six years ago, he and his wife became disenchanted with trends in their church. Channel hopping, they discovered 3ABN on TV channel 41. At first the cooking programs attracted them—Headlee had become a vegetarian after a minor heart attack—then they listened to a parade of Adventist pastors, including Doug Batchelor, Lonnie Melashenko, Mark Finley, and Dwight Nelson.

As dissatisfaction with the policies of their denomination came to a head, they began to look for another church. They hadn’t thought about Seventh-day Adventists until a television program one evening forcibly presented the Sabbath as the seal of God.

“With the realization of just what this meant, I turned to my wife, and said, ‘Let’s visit a Seventh-day Adventist church.’ She agreed, and we did so. Pastor Ken visited us and left a copy of the 27 fundamental beliefs. After studying them, I could not find one thing with which I could disagree.”

So Headlee and his wife were baptized. To grasp the full import of their decision, ponder this statement: “Both my wife and I are at an age where most people prefer to accept things as they are, being 81” (italics supplied). So here are two people well along in age but young in spirit; two people walking with the Lord and ready to break habits of  long years as the Holy Spirit leads.

I praise the Lord for such men and women!

Brother Howard’s letter, which is lengthy and elegantly crafted on the typewriter, closes with words too precious to keep to myself: “I must add that we found our brothers and sisters in the Seventh-day Adventist Church to be genuine. We found them to be true worshipers of God. We found them to be sincere friends and fellow travelers of the first order.

“In conclusion, I am truly thankful to the triune God who led us, first to enjoy 3ABN, and then to join the Seventh-day Adventists. I pray that we are part of the remnant called to ‘come out of her, my people.’ We do appreciate the Adventist Review. . . . [It is] our firm conviction that God has called, in these last days, for His people to remain firm. May He grant us the courage, strength, and fortitude to do so.”

Yes, occasionally I do get mail and phone calls of a very different sort. But they are comparatively few alongside the volume of letters and messages that convey encouragement and prayers. A letter like Headlee Howard’s refreshes my soul for many months, and I trust it has blessed you also, dear reader.

It’s that time again when I give an  invitation to readers to join us in our ministry to new Adventists. We are now in our fourth year, and the plan is simple: send the Adventist Review every week into the home of each “new”Adventist in North America. It’s a plan based on partnership and faith. The Review and Herald Publishing Association provides a low, low price for the year’s subscription ($25), the conference puts in $10, and we supply the remaining $15.

We raise our portion by inviting readers to contribute as they feel impressed. Gifts have ranged from $2 to $7,000. Many hundreds of people get involved, starting with Noelene and me. As we have from the outset, we will write a check for $1,000 this fall and another $1,000 next spring. This time we are also donating all the royalties from Glimpses of Grace.

Checks are tax-deductible. Simply make them out to the “Adventist Review” and mail to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904–6600.

During these four years of this faith ministry we have paid every bill on time. At times we have rattled the bottom of the kitty, but there has always been enough.

Because of you, I am confident there will always be enough. Thank you, and God bless.

_________________________
William Johnsson is the editor of the Adventist Review.